For the 2026-27 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 8,289 students in Beaufort, SC (there are 4 private schools, serving 618 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in Beaufort, SC are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Beaufort, SC are Coosa Elementary School, Beaufort High School and Riverview Charter School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Beaufort, SC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the South Carolina public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Beaufort have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of South Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public school average of 54% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Beaufort, SC (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Coosa Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
45 Middle Road
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 322-6100
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 322-6100
Gr: PK-5 | 467 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #22.
Beaufort High School
Magnet School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
84 Sea Island Parkway
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 322-2000
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 322-2000
Gr: 9-12 | 1,104 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #33.
Riverview Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
81 Savannah Highway
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 379-0133
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 379-0133
Gr: K-8 | 694 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #44.
Bridges Preparatory School
Charter School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
555 Robert Smalls Parkway
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 982-7737
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 982-7737
Gr: K-12 | 1,472 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #55.
Beaufort Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1800 Prince Street
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-2600
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-2600
Gr: PK-5 | 375 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #66.
Lady's Island Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
73 Chowan Creek Bluff
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 322-2240
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 322-2240
Gr: PK-5 | 241 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #77.
Battery Creek High School
Magnet School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1 Blue Dolphin Drive
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-5500
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-5500
Gr: 9-12 | 809 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #88.
Lowcountry Montessori School
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
749 Broad River Drive
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-0577
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-0577
Gr: PK-12 | 408 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #9 - 109. - 10.
Broad River Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
474 Broad River Road
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-8400
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-8400
Gr: PK-5 | 467 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #9 - 109. - 10.
Mossy Oaks Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2510 Mossy Oaks Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-2900
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-2900
Gr: PK-5 | 327 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #1111.
Beaufort Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2501 Mossy Oaks Boulevard
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-5700
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-5700
Gr: 6-8 | 348 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #1212.
Lady's Island Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
30 Cougar Drive
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 322-3100
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 322-3100
Gr: 6-8 | 338 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #1313.
Robert Smalls Leadership Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
43 W. K. Alston Drive
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-2500
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-2500
Gr: PK-8 | 785 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #1414.
Joseph S. Shanklin Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
121 Morrall Drive
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 466-3400
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 466-3400
Gr: PK-5 | 416 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: n/an/a
Sea Islands Heritage Academy
Charter School
10-b Holly Hall Road
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 489-8433
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 489-8433
Gr: 6-7 | 38 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Beaufort, South Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
2 Albacore St.
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 846-9283
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 846-9283
Gr: 3-8
2900 Mink Point Blvd
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-0733
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-0733
Gr: 6-12 | 68 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
345 Elliott Dr
Beaufort, SC 29906
(912) 408-3380
Beaufort, SC 29906
(912) 408-3380
Gr: PK-2
221 E. Cardinal Lane
Beaufort, SC 29906
(912) 369-6691
Beaufort, SC 29906
(912) 369-6691
Gr: PK-2
81 Savannah Hwy
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-2825
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-2825
Gr: PK-5 | 379 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Beaufort, SC?
The top-ranked public schools in Beaufort, SC include Coosa Elementary School, Beaufort High School and Riverview Charter School.
How many public schools are located in Beaufort?
15 public schools are located in Beaufort.
What percentage of students in Beaufort go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in Beaufort are educated in public schools (compared to the SC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Beaufort?
Beaufort public schools minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public schools average of 54% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Beaufort are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Beaufort include: Robert Smalls Leadership Academy vs. Broad River Elementary School, Bridges Preparatory School vs. Riverview Charter School, Riverview Charter School vs. Bridges Preparatory School
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
